We got some serious flavor coming from all directions of the globe, but one spicy little mami in particular is freshly picked out of Santos, São Paulo (Brazil.) Giovanna Avino, aka MC GI has been dropping lines for some of the most well known global bass producers in the world, some of which are South Rakkas Crew, Toy Selectah, Bert On Beats, Dj Chernobyl, Edu K, Billion Dollar Djs and many more!
Giovanna is definitely no stranger to the music business. She’s been composing since the age of five, and has continued to impress people today with her social economical lyrics- based around themes and protests. At least, that’s what I think she is talking about. I’m not sure anyone actually cares what these Brazilian baile funk girls are rapping about, as long as they sound good doing it. I mean that in the best of ways! By the end of 2006, she met a fellow schoolmate and MC named Thales. Together they recorded her “Funk do Mosquito” based on a Dengue epidemic that occurred in her city. This then began the transformation from Giovanna to MC GI and the composition of Funk style lyrics.
How does your culture react to women in the music scene? Especially towards female MC’s?
Today I don’t see different forms of treatment, a while ago it was common. Now the society is more open-minded. When I started as a MC people asked me if I would not want to sing “melody” a romantic style of funk, but prejudice for being a woman, I never suffered.
In a culture where men are the dominant players, do you ever feel inferior?
not really, never felt, I feel privileged, because if there are more men who dominate this area, draws more attention for being a woman
How do you feel about females in the music industry that expose more skin to gain attention?
I think everyone knows what they are doing. I won’t judge since i don’t like to be judged. I don’t see a problem with fancy clothes but i want to draw attention by my voice, by my music and not by my body.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself very successful and very happy too, because I chose what I like to do and nothing is more satisfying than being held in what one loves
Do you have any desire to write songs in English?
I have many songs written in English from the time that used to write songs about everyday until funk, I have several! I just need to release them.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
wow! I really want a production with Timbaland, I think he’s incredible, I always liked his work! may seem pretension on my part, but why not? hahaha I hope some day
Will you tell us a little bit more about this “Funk” you keep mentioning. Is it the same as Baile Funk?
Funk here in Brazil is a different style of music than Funk that everyone has heard, also known as Funk Carioca (since Rio de Janeiro is where the first changes and the new ellements where added)and often Baile Funk. Baile Funk is not a music style, it’s where Funk performances are presented, but many refer to it as if it were a style, style of “Funk Balls”
I heard that you auditioned to be a member of the famous Bonde Do Role, what happened with that? Will we hear a collaboration in the future?
In 2008 I participated in the contest to be new lead singer of BDR was among the five finalists, was a fun experience. About a possible collaboration? who knows, the future belongs to God =)
Any advice for future female MC’s?
Yes!! Never be afraid to dare, to insist until you get what you want, it may be dificult but don’t give up and only do what you whant to do.
Recent News:
“Hands Up Brazil” released on Mad Decent. Produced by South Rakkas Crew
Video from Latvia
August- “Sinuca” released. Produced by 3 is a Crowd
September- “ALEMÃO” released on Man Recordings (Germany) Produced by Bert on Beats
“My goal is to present the Funk as Brazilian culture in my country and also abroad. I want to show people what my music is capable of.” -MC GI
Video: Empina a Pipa
Written with Cabal, produced by Dj Chernobyl. Released on vinyl by Exploited! (Germany)
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Photo credit: Fiesta Intruders
